Thursday, June 25, 2009

I had some fun last night hanging out with some photographers doing a model shoot for their portfolio's. I wasn't a scheduled shooter but I was there waiting for a chance to make some images of my own. This is Anna Berman a model from Tucson who was working with a group of photographers to improve their skills and possibly come away with new portfolio images.

I'm "coming out" so-to-speak and announcing that I have come to a conclusion that I am a photojournalist with a heavy slant toward fine art. Maybe you knew that already. dah! I like photography that challenges the imagination. In some cases I can produce it. In most I see it then shoot it.

The two photo above are just that. Of course the kitchen shot is produced but the sitting shot was made when Anna was waiting for her next shoot. In both cases they have a surreal feel that I am attracted too. I love the hunt.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Then & Now from the exact same spot. The photo on the right I took in 1986. The photo on the left I took June 17, 2009. It is interesting to me to see how the paint has worn off the wall over the past 23 years. I was also surprised to see the weed on the bottom left is in both pictures. Click on the picture to see a larger version.

I went to Flagstaff today to assist photographer Dave Cruz http://www.davecruz.com/ He was assigned to shoot a nationally ranked cross country runner for a preps sports magazine cover.

After the shoot we walked around downtown and had lunch in Flagstaff. Since I went to NAU in the mid 70's and lived there for 3 1/2 years it is always nostalgic to visit.

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

We all have seen the corporate head shot that we as photographers might think "I don't shoot like that". I don't want to shoot like that.

Now that I'm out their every day trying to make a living in photography. I have sucked up "some" of my pride and I have come to the realization that at the end of the day income is a very good thing.

When I saw the classic corporate mug shot, I thought the good one's are shooting in a controlled environment like a studio. In the past, I always did location corporate head shots. I know I can do the corporate head shot but they didn't quite have the polish of the commercial studio's.

So I did a little test shooting yesterday. Instead of using big studio lights I decided to us two 580EX II flashes. I'm not going to give it all away but one on the backdrop and one on my face. After some trail and error and tweaking I finally got the classic shot that most organization would be happy with. If I had a choice I would prefer the environmental portrait but not all companies want to spend the money or commit the time for that type of portrait.

From onOne! Remotely fire your Canon DSLR Camera through your iPhone or iPod Touch. I haven't purchased the Ap yet but it looks pretty cool. The Ap has all kinds of camera control capabilities through the iPhone. Holy crap! If your a gizmo geek it doesn't get any more exciting than this. Their are some short comings and conditions for it to work so make sure you understand it before purchasing. Check it out at the link below.

It was a Q & A with photographer rep. Deborah Schwartz. Interesting article but what caught my eye was what she said about her clients. Her photographers are people who do work that she personally likes. She can relate to their work.

She said, It's about getting out there for yourself and shooting what you love because you love doing it. Have a strong visionand have something to say that people want to hear.

I love that insight, although that's easier said than done. Isn't it.

I wanted to see for myself what her photographers work looked like so I went to her site and clicked over her clients portfolios. You may love it or hate but one thing is certain her photographers shoot a certain way and they stick to it throughout their portfolio. Their photography is consistent. I appreciate looking at work like this. I respect people who have a style and stick to it in spite of outside influences like editors, mentors, teachers, friends, and family who may or may not like or understand the work. Photography is so subjective! An editor might not understand your style or vision so they put the proverbial thumb on you and shape you into who they need you to be. I say Bull Shit! Own your work!

I know a lot of very experienced photographers and how many have truly original point of view. Lets say I know 30 photographers. I would say 3 or 4 have a strong style that makes them unique. Most are very good at what they do but is it uniquely original. In my opinion no. Those are rare birds indeed.

I believe I am a good photographer who has made some great images over the years that will withstand the test of time. But, I have really struggled getting out of the box and find that euphoric bliss called original creativity.

I think as a photographer your work evolves over the years. As your interests shift and visual maturity enlightens you can grow. But I think many people who are creative struggle with personal vision. I think we are influenced by so much that it is really hard to find your way.

For most of use we are not born with it. Many years ago back at NAU my track coach "Red" Haberlack said to me "Brad, you have come as far as your going to go on natural ability, it time to go to work". He was so right. A life lesson. I think the other 26 photographers I know have peaked with their own natural ability. I have to work really hard and I have an obsessive passion to do the best I can do and I still constantly struggle and question.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Overview of the Williams Train Station and the Disney "A Christmas Carol" tour train.

The dance of life swirls in continuous motion while waiting on line.

Waiting on line to board the Promotional information train.

Inside the Disney promo train.

Tickets for the sneak preview.

This is our happy snap that is more about the people behind us.

All aboard!

Tickets please.

When the train departs you have to wave. Its fun!

Williams, AZ. Route 66

Red Corvette and a Chihuahua.

Red all over. Cafe 66 Williams, AZ.

Steve Reynolds entertains at Cafe 66.

Lorie

No words necessary.

In between work there are the moments when you get a wild hair and say lets go. My wife Lorie and I are totally impulsive. Planning trips is not our thing. So that is what we did last Sunday May 31. We drove to Williams, Arizona about 170 miles from Phoenix to see a Disney attraction. It is a train that is traveling to cities across America promoting a new 3D Movie staring Jim Carey. The movie is A Christmas Carol written by Charles Dickens. Inside the train are multimedia LCD displays, costumes and narratives telling the viewers all about the new technology put into this film. After visiting the train we walked to the hotel right next to the station and watched a sneak peak of the 3D movie. The movie is scheduled to be released in November and it truly amazing.

After the festivities we walked into Williams to experience the local culture and had lunch. I was a long day but well worth it.

About Me

Transformation is a photography blog that was created to show my personal and project work. Some of my fine art work is currently represented at the Tilt Gallery in Phoenix www.http://tiltgallery.com.
I feel it's important from time to time to revisit old passions and to enjoy the purity of photography. Yes, it's purely self-indulgent but it helps me satisfy the creative beast within.
When I started this blog, its purpose was primarily photojournalism since I was a photojournalist for 20 years and finally Director of Photography for the East Valley Tribune Newspaper. When that came to an end January 1, 2009 the blog was floundering and it was difficult to find purpose. In a way, I was trying keep one foot in the door as I was trying to hang onto my past.
I'm now moving forward. This is the photography I do for the purity of the art.
Thank you for your support and for viewing my blog. Feel free to leave a comment.
For my commercial work please visit,
http://bradarmstrongphotography.com/